That approach, he argued, allows Central Asia to deepen cooperation without sacrificing the flexibility that has become one of the consultative format’s greatest strengths. Following Azerbaijan’s accession as a full participant, cooperation increasingly extends beyond the five Central Asian states toward the Caspian region. Thus, transport corridors, energy exports, digital connectivity and investment now link Central Asia more directly with the South Caucasus and European markets. The expanding agenda also includes tourism, innovation, digitalization, artificial intelligence and space technologies, illustrating how regional cooperation is gradually moving beyond traditional security and trade issues. The next opportunity to measure that progress will come on Oct. 8, when Central Asian leaders and Azerbaijan are scheduled to reconvene in Avaza, Turkmenistan.